The gospel on celebrity and pop culture

Aretha Franklin home from hospital, feeling 'great'

December 16, 2010 | 4:38
pm

Aretha Franklin is home from the hospital, recuperating and feeling "great" in Detroit after surgery a little more than a week ago for an unspecified condition.

"The doctors say I can do whatever I feel like I am up to do," she told Jet on Wednesday. Not concerts, however -- the soul diva recently canceled six months of shows. "But I can do things around the house, and today I am just piddling around the house."

Though Franklin has not gone on the record about her illness, sources close to the family have said she's suffering from pancreatic cancer, which took the lives of Patrick Swayze and Michael Landon. High-profile survivors include Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Apple Chief Executive Steve Jobs. Franklin told the mag she'd soon give more information on her condition.

Franklin told Jet she appreciates the support she's experienced, particularly that from gospel performers who understand she's more than a woman who sings pop hits.

"They know I am a praying woman. They pray without ceasing for me," she said.

Franklin also invoked her higher power after the surgery, saying in a statement, "God is still in control."

"I had superb doctors and nurses who were blessed by all the prayers of the city and the country."